Opportunity Knocking

One morning recently (yesterday or the day before - can't remember), I was sitting and working on my computer in my living room, when someone rang the doorbell. I got up to go get what I thought was the wallpaper border for the bathroom that I ordered being delivered from UPS. When I got to the door, I was surprised to see a woman in a dress standing there. I opened, and she started talking about the nice weather, blah blah blah. Then she said something about how she was sure I had my own faith, as lots in the neighborhood do. I said yes, that's right, and I am a little ashamed to say that I was a little annoyed with her at this point. I thought about just shutting the door and getting back to my computer. She opened a Bible, and read John 3:16 (in some version I am not familiar with). Then she went on to say some things I kind-of ignored, and asked me if I'd take some reading material from her church or whatever, and on the top of the pamphlet it said "The Watchtower." I took it, and after 5 or so minutes of trying to patiently tolerate her, and not look too annoyed, I came back inside.

But then I started thinking - was I in too much of a rush to do something that wasn't really that important on my computer to talk to her and possibly present her with what I know to be true from the Bible? I flipped through the pamphlet, and in mere seconds I found some seriously shaky-looking doctrine in the papers she gave me. So yes, I reacted poorly to someone God practically put on my lap, and did not take good advantage of the opportunity that actually knocked on my door. So, I have decided (prayerfully) that I am going to read those pamphlets, and if and when she comes back, I will be ready to drop whatever it is I'm doing to have her in for coffee and conversation.

I believe that we as Christians should know a reasonable amount of information/doctrine from other beliefs. Not to the point of taking time away from studying what/how we should from the Word of God in our own study. But, from an evangelical standpoint, we know we are to witness to others, and I think part of effective "soul winning" takes place when you can take what someone believes to be true (and isn't) and refuting it with actual Biblical truths. I didn't do my best for God this time, but by His grace alone, next time I will.